ACT Research reports that final North American Class 8 net orders totaled 38,050 units in March. That's a 131% increase year over year.
"Despite the U.S.'s war with Iran sending WTI oil prices up as much as 70% since the start of the conflict, Class 8 order strength continued in March," says Carter Vieth, research analyst at ACT. "Industry observers worry that elevated fuel costs could reverse recent rate gains, derailing the nascent for-hire recovery, but a driver shortage beginning recently has likely insulated spot rates from fuel headwinds, as immigration enforcement and new FMCSA rules are now beginning to lower the driver population.
"While recent spot and contract rate improvements have been the primary driver of Class 8 orders, regulatory burdens associated with higher equipment costs in 2027, have helped spur greater order activity, too," Vieth added.
[RELATED: Commercial truck sales down nearly 18% in first quarter]
Medium-duty orders rose 12% year over year to 20,693 units.
"After gradually slowing through 2025 on tariffs and sagging consumer sentiment, the recent improvement likely reflects resilient consumer spending and some regulation-driven dealer stocking," Vieth says.
